Douglas parents are looking forward to taking their kids to the long-awaited new playground in Rex Smeal Park near the Port Douglas foreshore this weekend.

The $0.5-million playground has been completed by Douglas Shire Council and will be ready for an expected large turnout of children raring to try out its brand new equipment, including a rope mattress, plastic wall climber, rubber wall climber and a climbing wall.

Readers determined in a poll Newsport ran late last year that there was a strong need to address the region's lack of recreational facilities – and Council decided to go ahead with building the new project over an alternative ‘green ant’ playground because that one needed grant funding and would have taken too long.

“Rex Smeal Park is already a great family space but the playground makes it extra appealing for young children,” Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said. 

“Play spaces help to create a vibrant and connected community,” Port Douglas C&K Community Kindergarten director Beth Treloar said, adding, “they encourage children and parents to spend time outdoors, promote healthy lifestyles, and build stronger social networks.”